Audiovisual reproduction system

ABSTRACT

Audiovisual reproduction system comprising a central unit managing a sound control circuit, and a telecommunications modem connected to a distribution network controlled by a host server, through a multitask operating system created around a tools and services library, characterized in that the operating system comprises a function that adjusts the sound control circuit to couple volumes in the various areas in which the loudspeakers in the audiovisual reproduction system are used, this function being accessible through a management mode of the multitask operating system, the coupling maintaining the ratios between the various volumes in each area when the volume in one area is modified.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 13/356,116,filed Jan. 23, 2012, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.12/232,869, filed Sep. 25, 2008, (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,127,324), which isa continuation of application Ser. No. 09/621,675, filed Jul. 24, 2000,(now U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,057), which is a divisional of Ser. No.09/357,762, filed Jul. 21, 1999, (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,219) whichclaims priority to French Application No. 98 09352, filed Jul. 22, 1998,the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference inthis application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a digital audiovisual reproduction systemtriggered by the payment of fees.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

International patent application WO 96/12257 deposited by the applicantrelates to a system for a digital audiovisual reproduction system whichwill be described later. This system is also called a jukebox, and isusually placed in a leisure area such as a bar. The bar manager whorents the audiovisual reproduction system from an operator can accessfunctions for setting physical parameters, and also a management mode,through a touch screen and a graphic interface. He can use this screenand this interface to order musical selections through an audiovisualdata distribution network and a host server, and these musicalselections will be downloaded onto the audiovisual reproduction systemby a host server in the downloading center. The operator can also accessconfiguration functions for the reproduction system and can also orderdownloadable musical selections. Customers select songs using the touchscreen associated with the graphic interface. This system is veryefficient for the reproduction of sound and images, but it requires acertain amount of skill to set the physical parameters and requiresfrequent movements by the operator. Furthermore, not all capabilities ofthe system are used.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to overcome thedisadvantages of prior art by proposing an audiovisual reproductionsystem with many functions, particularly to enable increased interactionbetween the audiovisual reproduction system and the various user types,and to simplify its use. The first purpose of this invention is topropose a function for controlling the volume of the sound outputthrough the loudspeakers.

This purpose is achieved by the fact that the Audiovisual reproductionsystem comprising a central unit managing a sound control circuit, and atelecommunications modem connected to a distribution network controlledby a host server, through a multitask operating system created around alibrary of tools and services, wherein the operating system comprises afunction that adjusts the sound control circuit to couple volumes in thevarious areas in which the loudspeakers in the audiovisual reproductionsystem are used, this function being accessible through a managementmode of the multitask operating system, the coupling maintaining theratios between the various volumes in each area when the volume in onearea is modified.

According to another feature, the volume generated by the loudspeakersis programmable using a tools and services library management mode as afunction of the time of the day.

According to another feature, the volume setting parameters can bedownloaded through a request sent by the host server to thetelecommunications modem in the audiovisual reproduction system.

A second purpose of this invention is to facilitate the work done byoperators.

This second purpose is achieved by the fact that the audiovisualreproduction system comprises of a central unit controlling the displaymeans, a touch screen, memory means and a telecommunications modemconnected to a distribution network controlled by a host server througha multitask operating system comprising a library of tools and services,wherein the operating system of the reproduction system automaticallysends a request to the host server requesting that at least one selectedsong be downloaded, each song being determined as a function of theanswers to a questionnaire, which is stored in a file in the systemmemory means, to be displayed by display means at the appropriatemoment, and to which users reply by actions on the touch screen.

According to another feature, the reproduction system or the operatordownload a list of songs on the host serer through the informationdistribution network, the host server then downloading the songs in thelist prepared by the operator into the memory means of a determinedaudiovisual reproduction system through the same distribution network.

According to another feature, an order is sent to at least onedetermined reproduction system through a file downloaded on thereproduction system through the host server, this being memorized by thereproduction system and used to play one or more particular songs at oneor more particular moments.

A third purpose o this invention is to enable interaction between theuser and the audiovisual reproduction system.

This third purpose is achieved by the fact that the reproduction systemcomprises a central unit controlling display means, a touch screen,memory means and a telecommunications modem, through a multitaskoperating system comprising a library of tools and services, wherein atleast one image or animation describing at least one coming artisticevent close to the location in which the audiovisual reproduction systemis installed, is firstly downloaded into a file in the reproductionsystem, and the reproduction system operating system reads this file sothat the display means of the audiovisual reproduction system can e usedto show the image(s) and/or the animation(s) memorized in the file, atspecific regular intervals or after a selection of music performed bythe artist participating in the artistic event.

According to another feature, the display means show a screen that usersof the audiovisual reproduction system can use through thetelecommunications means to order entry tickets for the artistic eventsdisplayed on the display means, the payment for these entry ticketsbeing made through payment means forming part of the audiovisualreproduction system.

According to another feature, this reproduction system comprisesprinting means for printing entry tickets or means of recording theentry tickets corresponding to artistic events shown on the displaymeans, on a portable electronic object. According to another feature,the display means use a file in the operating system of the reproductionsystem to show a screen on the display means inviting the user to answera series of questions by touching the touch screen, the answers to thequestions then being stored in a file stored in the memory means to besent later to the downloading center for processing.

According to another feature, the display of the series of questions isinitiated after a given song has been selected, or as a function of thenumber of selections made by the user.

According to another feature, the information related to each imageand/or animation is stored in a downloadable file on the memory means ofthe audiovisual reproduction system through a request sent by the hostserver.

According to another feature, the display means in the audiovisualreproduction system are used after a determined number of paying musicalselections have been made, to display an interactive advertisementrecorded in a file in the memory means, and consisting of a game inwhich the user can either win a musical selection, or answer aquestionnaire recorded in the memory means of the system, or obtain freetickets to attend an event.

A fourth purpose of the invention is to increase flexibility of useoffered to the operator.

This fourth purpose of the invention is achieved by the fact that theaudiovisual reproduction system comprises a central unit controllingdisplay means, memory means controlled by an operating system comprisesa tools and services library, wherein an operator can access module inthe tools and services library, to offer the manager of the audiovisualreproduction system a given number of credits, one credit correspondingto the fee necessary to select one song, the number of credits beingstored in a file on the memory means, this file being updated each timethat the manager uses a credit and each time that the operator suppliesone or more credits. According to another feature, credits supplied bythe operator can be used within a given time range determined by aprogram module that displays a special screen for selection of timeranges within which the credits in the reserve may be used.

According to another feature, credit reserve can only be used by themanager, and is controlled by the manager entering a confidential coderequested every time before the use of a credit in the reserve isvalidated.

According to another feature, the operation consisting of crediting thecredit reserve can only be used by the operator by entering aconfidential code requested every time before adding a credit to thereserve is validated.

Credits supplied by the operator can be used within a given time range.

According to another feature, the operator can limit the ranges ofvalues within which the manager can modify the physical parameters ofthe audiovisual reproduction system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The sole shows an electrical diagram for an audiovisual reproductionsystem according to prior art compatible with the characteristics of theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before beginning the actual description, it is worthwhile defining anumber of elements. Firstly, the term “operator” is used in thisdescription to describe a person or a company who installs and maintainsthe audiovisual reproduction system. The term “manager” is used todescribe a person or a company who rents the audiovisual reproductionsystem, usually from an operator, and who uses the system for profitmaking purposes. Finally, the term “user” is used to describe any personwho uses the reproduction system rented by a manager for leisurepurposes.

For example, the reproduction system used for application of thecharacteristics of the invention is as described in international patentapplication WO 96/12257 deposited by the applicant.

Preferably, but non-restrictively, the audiovisual reproduction systemuses the hardware components listed and referenced below.

The central microprocessor unit (a) is a high performance PC compatiblesystem, the choice at the time of the installation being made for anIntel type system which has at least the following memory means andcharacteristics:

-   -   compatibility with the Vesa local bus    -   processor cache memory: 256 kbytes    -   high performance serial and parallel ports    -   SVGA microprocessor type graphic adaptor    -   SCSI/2 type bus controller    -   Self-powered static RAM.

Another central unit with equivalent performances could be used in theinvention.

This central unit controls and manages a sound control circuit (5), atelecommunications control circuit (4), an input control circuit (3), amass memory control circuit (2) and a display means control circuit (6).The display means comprise mainly of n SVGA type high resolution, lowradiation, flat screen video monitor (62) without interlacing, thismonitor being used for reproduction of images (for example album coversof musical selections), graphics and video clips.

The memory means also include storage modules (21) using high speed,high capacity, SCSI hard disks, and are associated with memory meansalready installed in the microprocessor device. These modules are usedfor the storage of audiovisual information.

A 28.8 kbps high speed telecommunications modem adapter (41) is includedto enable the link to an audiovisual information distribution networkcontrolled by a host server.

For reproduction of sound information for musical selections, the systemcomprises loudspeakers (54) receiving the signal from an amplifier-tuner(530 connected to the music synthesizer type of electronic circuit (5)designed to support a large number of input sources while providing anoutput with a CD (compact disk) type of quality, or example such as a“Sound Blaster” multimedia audio adapter card for use with amicroprocessor.

A 240 watt ventilated power supply with temperature control providesenergy to the system. This power supply is protected againstovervoltages and over oscillations.

The audiovisual reproduction system manages a touch screen (33) throughits input controller circuit (3) which includes a glass coating panelusing the “advanced surface wave technology”, and an AT type buscontroller. This touch screen is used to display various items ofselection information used by customers on the video monitor (62) or atelevision screen (61), or management command and control informationused by the manager or the owner of the system. It is also used, formaintenance purposes, in combination with an external keyboard (34) thatcan be connected to the system which is already fitted with a keyboardconnector for this purpose, controlled by a key lock (32) through theinterface circuit (3).

The input circuit (3) also interfaces with the system through a remotecontrol assembly (31), for example comprised of:

-   -   an infrared remote control, emitter that has 15 control keys for        the microprocessor system and 8 control keys for the projection        device.    -   an infrared receiver with adapter.

A fee payment device (35) is also connected to the input interfacecircuit (3). It is also possible to use it with any other deviceaccepting any other method of payment by coins, notes, tokens, smartcards or a combination of these methods of payment.

It is preferable that the system should be housed inside a steel framethat can be personalized with external parts.

Apart from these elements, a cordless microphone (55) is connected tothe sound controller (5), which can transform this sound controller intoa powerful public address and information system, or possibly a karaokemachine. Similarly, the system can use a cordless loudspeakers system.

The manager can use the remote control assembly (31) to access andcontrol various controls such as the following, for example from behindthe bar:

-   -   the microphone on/off control,    -   the loudspeaker's mute control,    -   the sound volume control,    -   a control canceling the musical selection currently being        played.

The system operating software is built up around a library of tools andservices specifically oriented toward audiovisual applications in amultimedia universe. This library advantageously includes a highperformance multitask operating system that efficiently enablessimultaneous execution of multiple code fragments. This operating systemthus enables concurrent execution of operations carried out on thedisplay means, sound reproduction means and the management oftelecommunications links through the distribution network, in an orderlymanner while avoiding any conflicts. This software is also veryflexible.

Digitized and compressed audiovisual data are stored in the memory means(21).

Each selection is available in two digitized formats, with hi-fi qualityor CD quality.

It is essential to note that although all modules described later areapparently used sequentially, in fact the tasks specific to thesemodules are executed simultaneously in an environment using themultitask operating system.

The first module, called the SSM module, is the system start module.This module only supplies a single service, and consequently it isautomatically loaded when the system is switched on. If the system isstarted with a correct registration number, it then directly enters the“in service” mode of the RMM module.

The REG module is the registration mode module which, when activated forthe first time or when approval is necessary for a new registration,states its software serial number and asks the user to input informationabout himself such as the building name, address and telephone number.

The RMM module is the “in service” mode module, and the system entersthis operating mode as soon as he registration number has beenvalidated. In this mode, the system is ready to handle any request thatmay be initiated by various predefined events such as for example:

-   -   customers who touch the screen: when a customer or a user        touches the screen, the system transfers control of the        foreground session to he CBSM (customer browse and select mode)        module,    -   requests to call the telecommunications server network: the        system sends an asynchronous background procedure when it        detects a loop on the telephone line; the TSM (telecom services        mode) module,    -   requests about the key switch (32): when the manager turns the        key switch, the system hands over control of his foreground        session to the SMM (system management mode) module,    -   reception of a remote control signal; when a command is        received, SMM system management module processes it in a        background session, while the foreground session remains        available for other actions,    -   the appearance of an end of time out showing that the system is        inactive: when one of the various time-outs is activated,        control is temporarily handed over to the IRM (inactivity        routine module) for processing.

The system remains in “in service” mode until one of the eventsdescribed above occurs.

The IRM module is the inactivity routines module This module containsroutines performing predetermined functions such as displaying the coverof an album, playing parts of musical tracks present in the system,reproduction of complete selections for internal promotional purposes,spoken promotional announcements of new musical selections, fallback toan auxiliary source that may be used when the system is inactive andafter a predetermined but adjustable time period has elapsed,corresponding to a time out.

The SMM module is the system management module. This module carries outfunctions that order the system to accept input requested through aninfrared remote control device, these functions being processedimmediately without stopping the process that is taking place. A verylarge number of functions of this type is possible, and some possiblefunctions are listed in the following non-restrictive list:

-   -   adjustment of the sound volume of played selections;    -   adjustment of the sound volume of the played auxiliary source,    -   switching the microphone on/off,    -   adjusting the microphone sound volume,    -   balance adjustment, right channel, left channel.    -   Control of low frequency volumes,    -   Control of high frequency volumes,    -   Order to cancel or skip a range in a musical selection,    -   Order for panoramic effects, zoom in, zoom out,    -   Trigger reinitialization of the software program.

The MMM module is the management mode module. This module is triggeredwhen the manager turns the key switch. The ordinary screen display isreplaced by a display specific to system management. With this newdisplay, the manager is able to control all settings that can be madewith the remote control. He can input additional low level commands, forinstance to define commands to be enabled or disabled on the remotecontrol. The manager can use this screen to access new selectionacquisitions mode by touching a button marked on the touch screen. Whenthe manager has finished defining these commands and the systemconfiguration, he simply removes the key and the system automaticallyreturns to “in service” mode.

The NSAM module is the new selection acquisitions mode module.

The CBSM module is the customer browse and select mode module. Thismodule is accessed from “in service” mode when the customer touches thescreen. The user can display a menu that he can use for extensivebrowsing assisted by digitized voice messages to guide him in his choiceof musical selections.

The TSM module is the telecommunications services mode module betweenthe host server and the audiovisual reproduction system. This module isused to manage all management services available on the distributionnetwork. All tasks specific to telecommunications are managed as systembackground tasks. These tasks never use more than a proportion of theprocessing time remaining after the system has completed all itsforeground tasks. Thus when the system is busy with one of its highpriority tasks, telecommunications tasks automatically attempt to reduceconstraints on the system resources and recover whatever microprocessorprocessing time remains available.

The SSC module is the system security control module. This modulemanages system security, each system gets into contact with a localcontroller system according to a predetermined time scheme foracquisition of the approval signal in the form of the registrationnumber which enables it to operate. Furthermore, the said systemautomatically stops operating if a fraud is observed or if the systemcan no longer communicate to the network.

The SPMM module manages selections of music, songs or videos queued bythe system to be executed in the order in which they were selected.

Finally, the manager uses the remote control to manage the systemthrough the SMM module.

The multitask operating system is the essential element to enablesimultaneous execution of multiple code fragments and to managepriorities between the various tasks that are awakened.

According to the invention, the volume settings in the various areas maybe coupled if management mode is activated. This particular procedure isincluded in the MMM management module and is materialized on the touchscreen (33) by a specific display comprising a button. The couplingprocedure is activated when the manager or the operator touches thisbutton. The first operation carried out by this function is to readvalues of the sound volume in the different areas from a file stored onthe reproduction system memory means, and the ratios between thesevarious values will be calculated: These ratios are stored in a filestored on the reproduction system memory means (21). When the volume ofa determined area is subsequently modified, the procedure automaticallyreads the new value of the volume in the determined area and calculatesthe values of the volume for the other areas such that the ratiosbetween the values for the various areas are identical to the previouslycalculated and stored ratios. When the coupling procedure is activated,and when the maximum value of the sound volume in one of the areas isreached, increasing the volume in any other area will have no effect.The coupling function is deactivated either y touching the activationbutton again, or by touching another button, identified as deactivationbutton on the touch screen.

Advantageously, in order to avoid repeated manipulations to modify thevolume, volume modifications are stored in a file so that the volume indifferent areas can be reduced or increased at determined times. Forexample (1), this function performed by a routine in the reproductionsystem is located (1) in a bar. The background noise due to the presenceof customers varies at different times of the day. This background noiseis higher in busy periods, in other words usually during the evening,and is low when there are fewer people. This situation requires that thesound volume of the reproduction system should be adapted as a functionof the background noise. Thus according to the invention, the volumelevel can be programmed in advance as a function of the time of the day.The routine in the operating system of the audiovisual reproductionsystem reads this file later, thus automatically making thepreprogrammed changes to the volume level.

Advantageously, the file containing the volume settings as a function ofthe time of the day can be downloaded into the memory means of heaudiovisual reproduction system through the data distribution networkand the reproduction system in order to create this file. The file maybe generated on a different computer system and then downloaded onto thereproduction system through the distribution network and thetelecommunications modem (41).

Audiovisual reproduction systems according to prior art enabledownloading of new selections through a distribution network and a hostserver. However, commands for new selections must be made through thetouch screen (33) and a module in the operating system of eachreproduction system, and in some cases requires operator intervention.In order to avoid repeated movements of the operator to order newselections, the operating system has a procedure integrated into amodule of the reproduction system by which the user can choose at leastone new selection in a list. This procedure consists of starting to readthe file stored on the memory means (62). This screen contains a windowin which a list of songs is displayed in the form of popup menu. Thislist corresponds to selections that are not yet available on theaudiovisual reproduction system, but which could be downloaded on thereproduction system. Thus, a message is displayed on the screen invitingusers to select the new song(s) that they would like to have on theaudiovisual reproduction system simply by touching the touch screen (33)on the title of the required song. Users' choices are memorized in afile stored on the memory means, which is updated whenever a userchooses a new selection in the list. The number of times that aselection is chosen is counted. This number is then compared with apredetermined threshold. When the number of times that a selection ischosen exceeds a predetermined threshold, the reproduction system sendsa request to the host server to request that the selection isdownloaded. Thus, new selections are ordered and downloaded withoutaction by the manager or the operator, which considerably simplifies theoperation of ordering new selections.Advantageously, in order to avoid the operator needing to move to ordernew selections, the operator is also able to download new selectionsonto an audiovisual reproduction system without using he touch screen inthe reproduction system. In order to use this feature, the operator musthave a computer connected to the reproduction systems host serverthrough a data distribution network. This request includes the list ofnew selections to be downloaded and the identification of thereproduction system on which the new selections are to be downloaded.When the host server receives this new request, the new songs on thelist will be downloaded onto the memory means of the reproduction systemcorresponding to the identification. After these new selections havebeen received, the reproduction system updates the list of availablemusical selections. Thus, the new selection control operation is carriedout without any need for the operator to move.

Another feature of the reproduction system according to the invention isto enable a particular song to be played at a defined timesimultaneously on at least one determined reproduction system. Forexample, this feature may be use to promote a new album or a concertgiven by a singer. For example, this feature could be used to play thetitle song of a singer's new album on all reproduction systems, on theday that it is distributed in the shops. This feature can also be usedto distribute a song by this singer on reproduction systems locatedclose to the location at which a concert given by the singer willshortly be held. Playing a particular song at a particular moment on atleast one particular reproduction system is initiated by a series oforders contained in a file located on each audiovisual reproductionsystem. The orders contained in the file determine which song should beplayed and the moment(s) at which it should be played. Advantageously,the file containing orders for execution of the particular song at aparticular moment is downloaded on each reproduction system concernedthrough the host server and the distribution network. The orderscontained in the file will be executed when the audiovisual reproductionsystem reads this file.

The reproduction system according to the invention can also be used tocreate an interaction with the user. This interaction is materialized bya series of functions. The first function consists of using displaymeans (62) to show at least one image and/or animation related to acoming artistic event close to the reproduction system. This displayinforms the users about this event. These sequences of images and/oranimations are memorized in a file stored on the memory means of thereproduction system. The images and/or animations will be displayed whenthis file is read, for example through the IRM module (inactivityroutines management module). Advantageously, a user can use thereproduction system according to the invention to order entry ticketsfor the artistic event described by the images and/or animationsdisplayed on the display means of the reproduction system. A specialbutton is displayed on the screen displaying the images and/oranimations of the artistic event, for this purpose. If a user touchesthis button, a subroutine starts which will display a new screen. Theuser can use this new screen to order tickets for the artistic event.For example, the screen may have different possible booking dates, thetype of seats available, the means of payment preferred by the user andany other information necessary to prepare the entry ticket.Advantageously, the payment means (35) in the audiovisual reproductionsystem are used for payment of the entry tickets. Advantageously, theaudiovisual reproduction system comprises means that firstly enablecommunication with the host server or the rental server and secondly,after receiving agreement, are capable of printing entry tickets. Themeans of issuing entry tickets also or alternatively comprise means ofrecording the entry ticket on a portable electronic object, such as asmart card. For example, these means may include means of reading fromand writing to the electronic circuit of a smart card. When a user wouldlike to book an entry ticket, a screen invites him to insert his card inthe reading and writing means. This action triggers a procedure in theoperating system of the reproduction system which firstly triggers a newcard user identification procedure and secondly (after the entry ticketsrental server has approved) triggers steps to record the entry ticket onthe card electronic circuit. The file memorizing images and/oranimations describing the artistic event may advantageously bedownloaded on at least one audiovisual reproduction system through thehost server and the distribution network.Another feature of the reproduction system according to the invention isto make a request to users by means of at least one image stored in afile and displayed by display means (62) of the audiovisual reproductionsystem. The procedure is triggered whenever a particular event occurs.The image comprises a series of windows. For example, a first window mayinclude a series of questions about the user, for example his or herage, sex, profession and/or any other information. A second. window mayfor example include a series of questions about the required inquiry.For example this inquiry may be a satisfaction inquiry about aparticular artist, or any other inquiry. Each question is associatedwith a particular answer area on the touch screen (33). The answers tothe various questions are made simply by touching this area. Answers tothe various questions in the inquiry are memorized in a file stored onthe memory means of the audiovisual reproduction system. This file isthen downloaded onto the host server. Advantageously, a subroutine inthe operating system verifies if the questionnaire corresponding to theinquiry was fully filled in by the user. If so, the operating systemtriggers a subroutine that will credit means (35) of payment of anamount corresponding to one song selection and informs the user that hehas the right to select an additional song, by displaying a specialscreen. Advantageously, the procedure to display the screen containingthe series of questions is triggered by a predetermined event. Forexample, this event may be the selection of a particular song or then(th) selection of the same or a different song by the same user, whichcorresponds to a determined payment amount.

Advantageously, the display means (62) of the reproduction system areused to display advertisements. Advertising displays are triggered by asubroutine in the operating system, for example after the user has madea given number of paying musical selections. This advertisement,memorized in a file stored on the memory means, appears in the form of agame designed around the company being advertised. Interaction betweenthe user and the game forming the interactive advertising consists ofthe user pressing on the touch screen (33) of the reproduction system.If the user wins the game, a subroutine in the operating system of thereproduction system is triggered to either credit payment means (35) byan amount corresponding to the selection of a song and inform the useron a specific screen that he has the right to make a musical selectionof his choice free of charge, or to display a special screen invitingthe user to answer a questionnaire. For example, the questionnaire maybe an inquiry about satisfaction with the audiovisual reproductionsystem or any other inquiry of the type described above.

The reproduction system according to the invention also provides theoperator with a certain degree of flexibility. With the audiovisualreproduction system according to the invention, the operator can pay themanager of the reproduction system for a particular number of credits. Acredit is equal to the fee necessary to select one song. This creditreserve is stored in a file stored on the memory means (21) of thereproduction system. To add one credit to the reserve, the operatoraccesses a first specific button, using a specific screen. Touching thetouch screen (33) at the position of this button triggers a subroutinein the reproduction system which updates the file corresponding to thecredit reserve and adds one credit to this reserve. When the managerwants to use a credit in the reserve, he uses a second special screen toaccess a second special button. Touching the touch screen (33) at thelocation of this second button triggers a subroutine in the operatingsystem which firstly credits the payment means (35) of the reproductionsystem by an amount corresponding to payment of the price to select onesong, if the credit reserve is not empty, and secondly updates the filecorresponding to the credit reserve by removing one credit from thereserve. The use of credits is reserved exclusively for the manager, whouses them by inputting a code required when the second special button isused or by means of a special function on the remote control means (31).Access to the credit reserve file is reserved exclusively to theoperator (for example by means of a code requested when the firstspecial button is used). Thus, the operator alone can increase thecredit reserve, and the manager alone can use this reserve.Advantageously, there is a program module for displaying a specialscreen to define time periods during which credits offered by theoperator can be used. A subroutine prevents access to the second specialbutton outside these determined time ranges, so that the manager cannotuse credits in the reserve.In order to prevent the manager from incorrectly using management modefunctions of the audiovisual reproduction system, the operator may fixranges of values between which the manager can modify the physicalsettings of the audiovisual reproduction system. These limitations aremade by means of low level functions exclusively accessible in MMM mode(Module management mode) by a special screen that is locked, forexample, by means of a code known only to the operator. Due to theselimitations, there is no risk that the manager will make thereproduction system completely inoperative, and the operator will needto make fewer interventions.It is obvious that other modifications that can be made by an expert inthe subject fall within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating an audiovisual reproductionsystem comprising a central unit controlling a display, a touch screen,and a memory accessible via an operating system, the audiovisualreproduction system being connected to a plurality of different audiozones and being configured to play back digital instances of media toone or more of the zones, the method comprising: enabling an operator toaccess a module in a library of tools and services; receiving input froman operator indicating whether some of the zones are to be coupledtogether in accordance with predetermined ratios between volumes outputfor the coupled zones via the module; and in response to modification ofvolumes in any one of the coupled zones, adjusting a sound controlcircuit to change a volume output for any of the other coupled zones tomaintain the predetermined ratios between volumes output for the coupledzones, wherein, when a maximum value of a volume output for any one ofthe coupled zones is reached, a volume output for any other one of thecoupled zones is not increasable.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising requiring the operator to enter a first code before grantingaccess to the module.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein volume rangesfor the zones are specifiable by the operator.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein volumes for the zones are modifiable using the module.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, further comprising storing the ratios between volumesoutput for the coupled zones.
 6. The method of claim 5, furthercomprising, in response to modification of volumes in one of the coupledzones, automatically adjusting volumes of the coupled zones to maintainthe stored ratios between volumes output for the coupled zones.
 7. Themethod of claim 4, wherein modifications of the volumes for the zonesare programmed into a program as functions of the time of day.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the program of the modifications of thevolumes for the zones are stored in a file.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein the file is downloaded onto the audiovisual reproduction systemvia a communications network.
 10. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising modifying volumes for the zones based on input received froma manager of the audiovisual reproduction system.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the volumes are modified only after the manager hasinput a second code.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the volumes aremodifiable within predefined limits.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinthe predefined limits are set by the operator, the operator and themanager being different parties.
 14. An audiovisual system beingconnected to a plurality of different audio zones, and being configuredto play back digital instances of media to one or more of the zones, theaudiovisual system comprising: a central unit controlling a display, atouch screen, a memory accessible via an operating system, and aprocessor system comprising at least one processor, the processor systembeing configured to at least: enable an operator to access a module in alibrary of tools and services; receive input from an operator indicatingwhether some of the zones are to be coupled together in accordance withpredetermined ratios between volumes output for the coupled zones viathe module; and in response to modification of volumes in any one of thecoupled zones, adjust a sound control circuit to change a volume outputfor any of the other coupled zones to maintain the predetermined ratiosbetween volumes output for the coupled zones; wherein, when a maximumvalue of a volume output for any one of the coupled zones is reached, avolume output for any other one of the coupled zones is not increasable.15. The audiovisual system of claim 14, wherein volumes for the zonesare modifiable using the module.
 16. The audiovisual system of claim 15,wherein the processor system is further configured to store the ratiosbetween volumes output for the coupled zones.
 17. The audiovisual systemof claim 16, wherein the processor system is further configured to, inresponse to modification of the volumes in one of the coupled zones,automatically adjust volumes of the coupled zones to maintain the storedratios between volumes output for the coupled zones.
 18. The audiovisualsystem of claim 15, wherein the processor system is further configuredto modify volumes for the zones based on input received from a managerof the audiovisual reproduction system.
 19. The audiovisual system ofclaim 18, wherein the volumes are modified only after the manager hasinput a code.
 20. The audiovisual system of claim 19, wherein thevolumes are modifiable within predefined limits.